First Generation Club Constitution

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

First Generation Constitution

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1:

First Generation

Section 2:

The purpose of our club is to develop and establish additional support for first generation students, whose parent(s) have not attained a 4 year college degree. These students have no or very little family collegiate history and are entering into college with limited knowledge about traditions and patterns of college life and academia. First Generation is dedicated to develop ways to support CSB/SJU first generation students adjust to new environment, lifestyle, and academic traditions. In addition, First Generation is devoted to be a support group and resource for first generation students to help them understand and utilize their academic and community resources.

Article II: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility for Membership

First Generation is open to any enrolled CSB/SJU student, but preferably first generation students. All members must be motivated to learn and must fully participate in all activities in order to be entitled to vote.

Section 2: Voting Member Criteria

All voting will take place during First Generation's All Class Gathering Meeting. Any one member can be nominated for board position base on their commitment and participation to First Generation. Selection of club leaders should be democratic in nature.

Section 3: Removal of MembersIn case of members who do not follow the Benedictine Values will be force for dismissal of membership. The process of dismissal of membership will undergo a confidential talk between the officers with the verification of the club advisor.

Article III: OfficersSection 1: Officer QualificationsOfficer positions are only for CSB/SJU student. The qualifications for an officer position in First Generation will be based on their dedication to support first generation students and their involvement.

Section 2: Elected OfficersPresident:

•§ Primary contact for the institution

•§ Work closely with Administration and update administration about First Generation progress

•§ Oversees all other officer positions

•§ Presides and orders meetings in to session and can call special meetings

•§ Department of Student Activities contact

•§ Oversees election process

•§ Term of office is an academic year

Vice President:

•§ Assume the duties of the president in his/her absence

•§ Work closely with President on All-Class Gathering which includes contacting the Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman class.

•§ Reserves rooms and get required materials for meetings on SJU campus

•§ Record attendance of participating members and agenda

•§ Liaison for SJU students of the under class

•§ Main contact for SJU First Generation under class members

•§ Collect contact information of mentors for the under class

•§ Work Closely with CSB Under Class Representative

•§ Term of office is an academic year

Section 4: Vacancy in Office

In the event that a vacancy should occur (resignation or removal) provisions will be made to fill the vacancy. Following the chain of command, when needed, officers will assume those duties until a special election is held.

Section 5: Removal of Officers

In the situation where a board member is not in good standing with the club and may be removed, the process will first be a hearing conducted by the officers with the verification of the club advisor, and will be followed up by a vote by the officers in which the majority will rule.

Section 6: Appeal of Removal of Officers

In an appeal of the removed officer, the officer who is making the appeal shall be subjected to the review of the Advisor. If the appeal should pass, it will be followed up by a vote in which the majority will rule.

Article IV: Elections

Section 1: Nomination Process

Nomination is open CSB/SJU student who are motivated to help support first generation students understand and utilize academic and community resources. Officers can be nominated by other members or self-nominate him/herself as long as they are CSB/SJU students. Nomination process will begin one month before officer elections and if there is any officer vacancy.

Section 2: Election

Application will be sent out to the whole school and be submitted electronically to the President. Applicants will be contacted through e-mail for interview times. Applicants will attend the interview upon request. The whole club will vote on applicants for Board positions with a majority vote. Applicants will be notified through e-mail to confirm their position. Selection of club leaders should be democratic in nature. Officers can serve a maximum of two years per position.

Section 3: Special Elections

If in any situation where there is any officer vacancy or if an officer leaves/is removed from office, there will be a special election announced to the whole student body within the two weeks of vacancy. The same procedure as Section 2 will be used for special elections.

Article V: Advisor

Section 1: Selection

The position of advisor for First Generation is open to faculty and staff members of both CSB/SJU campuses.

Section 2: Duties of an Advisor

Advisor duties are, but not limited to:

1. Promote group activities to other faculty/staff

2. Meet with the Officers when it is necessary

3. Attend officer and membership first and last meeting

4. Act as a resource to the club/organization

5. Provide support through advising for the club/organization

6. Help to formulate the goals of the group

7. Oversees and advise the club constitution annually

8. Oversee and advise on annual club budget

Article VI: Meetings

Section 1: Regular Meeting/Club Activities

All Class Gathering will meet at the end of every month. All Class Gathering will host special events in the CSB/SJU Community or the community of St. Joseph. Upper Class and Under Class individual meeting will be held once a month to focus on achieving first generation students' needs. Officers will meet in the beginning of every month to evaluate and discuss on activities and events. E-mails will be sent to member's CSB/SJU e-mail account unless specify about occurring meetings, gathering and events.

Section 2: Special MeetingsIn case of a special meeting that would require all members, First Generation members will be notify through e-mail right away in which it will run the same as regular meetings or gatherings.

Article VIII: Finances

Section 1: Co-Funding BoardFirst Generation will apply for Co-Funding Board monies and will follow all CFB and institutional regulations in which the club will not have an off-campus account.

Section 2: HonorariumsFirst Generation will not offer any stipend or collect any dues from any one Officers/members.

Article IX: Amendments

Section 1: RatificationIf amendments to the First Generation constitution is needed, a committee will be form within First Generation to review and advise for any changes. An amendment can be passed by First Generation members and officers with advises from the Advisor.

Section 2: Submittal to Department of Student Activities and Joint Club BoardAny changes to the constitution shall be reported and resubmitted to the Department of Student Activities and JCB.

Article X

The First Generation admits students without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and other activities, generally accorded or made available to members of the organization.

Article XI

The First Generation considers hazing to be a degrading and destructive activity which is inconsistent with the standards of this student organization. The First Generation recognizes the dignity of every person and opposes all forms of hazing.